A few weeks after the Piket Art Prizes award ceremony, Katarina Head moved back to the UK, where she has found a place to live and work. She is now exploring the London art scene, looking for opportunities to show her paintings. It’s not easy, but Katarina is undaunted: “I’m going to be making forever.”
Moving back to the UK was simply the most practical thing to do after Katarina had to leave her living cum studio space in the Zeeheldenkwartier. Fortunately, she was able to find the same kind of space in her hometown, just outside London. She also found a job at the Art House Cinema in the nearby city, which she really likes. “I love to see how much pleasure a film experience can bring to people. It’s also nice that it’s an evening job, so I can paint during the day. My main focus is still painting.” She has recently been making more figurative work. “It’s still the same technique, collage and oil painting, but with more direct figuration… images of people.” She is also actively exploring the London art scene, looking for opportunities and places to show her work.
Nevertheless, chances are that we will find Katarina back in The Hague. “It’s good to be with my family a bit and to see my UK friends again,” says Katarina, “but I stay very much connected to The Hague. In the Netherlands there is a thriving art scene and support system for young artists. The artist community is cosy and supportive, much more close-knit than in the UK.” Katarina’s work was shown in Amsterdam at the Amarte Wonderland exhibition earlier this year. “It was only one day, but it was wonderful to be back.” She will also be showing her work at the Limburg Biennale in Maastricht this summer.
Did winning the Piket Art Prize make a difference? Definitely, says Katarina. “It’s something I can feed into when I need something.” She relishes the fact that she doesn’t have to be overly economical when buying art supplies, for instance. “I can create a lot more freely, the prize takes the weight off things.” And then there is the trip to Japan this summer. “That was also made possible by the Piket Prize. It’s a self-initiated residency. We have some contact with the CSLAB regarding a space to exhibit in Tokyo and the possibility to give an artist talk or workshop. I’ll be going with a photographer friend, perhaps we’ll include a dancer as well. I think I need a big change of scenery.” Why Japan? Katarina: “To be honest, it’s a bit random, but it’s a place that I’ve always been curious to explore. I’m just looking for a completely different experience. We’ll go to Tokyo and to Kyoto, perhaps climb Mount Fuji… I would very much like to work there and also to leave something behind. So again a huge ‘thank you’ to Piket. I’m going to be making forever. The prize is allowing me to think of more options.”
Foto Hessel Waalewijn
Text: Anna Beerens
